New Products

FEATURE / 3M Introduces Anti-Graffiti Solution for Commercial Buildings

A new line of window films for commercial buildings to help combat the damage caused by graffiti has been introduced by 3M. Graffiti -- such as etching, scratching, painting and marking of glass -- is an expensive and rapidly growing problem worldwide. The new product offers the opportunity for major cost savings for owners and managers of commercial and public buildings.

Scotchgard anti-graffiti window film is an optically clear, distortion-free film for windows, mirrors and other surfaces. Useful for interior or exterior windows, mirrors or glass, the film comes in two thicknesses for graffiti abatement in low-risk or high-risk situations. This film is particularly effective in resisting damage from glass-etching solutions used by vandals. When applied to glass, Scotchgard film also offers extra benefits by blocking heat, glare and 99 percent of damaging ultraviolet rays.

"When you consider that, in New York City alone, the average cost of removing graffiti has increased from $300,000 a year in 1993 to $10 million today, this new protective film adds important economic value," said Rochelle Knops, sales and marketing coordinator, 3M Consumer Safety and Light Management Department.

When applied to surfaces that vandals often target, such as interior and exterior windows, mirrors, and other glass, the film provides protection by taking the brunt of graffiti damage. Paints, permanent markings and other stains can be easily removed from the protective surface without the use of harsh chemicals. That's because film damaged by etching or scratching can be easily removed and replaced with new film. Using the protective film also eliminates the expense of conventional graffiti cleanup or the even-costlier total replacement of graffiti-damaged equipment or property.

"In the United States, the annual cost of graffiti abatement programs is estimated at $10 to $12 billion," added Knops. "Scotchgard anti-graffiti window film offers a cost-effective, common-sense solution to the growing problem of vandals defacing public and private property. It also adds to the many innovative solutions that 3M products represent, and it makes a positive contribution to the environment and enjoyment of public places."

3M holds the original window film patent and has been a leader in both adhesive and film technologies for more than 30 years. These products are sold by the 3M Consumer Safety and Light Management Department. 3M brings together these disciplines to create the finest products available for both consumer and commercial use. The company offers the most comprehensive warranty in the industry for both film and installation. To find the authorized 3M window film dealer nearest you, contact 3M at 1-800-480-1704.

About 3M

3M is a $16 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in health care, safety, electronics, telecommunications, industrial, consumer and office, and other markets. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., the company has operations in more than 60 countries and serves customers in nearly 200 countries. 3M businesses share technologies, manufacturing operations, brands, marketing channels and other important resources. 3M, which marks its 100th anniversary this year, is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and also is a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For more information about 3M go to www.3M.com.

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3M's Night Vision Films Revolutionize the Industry

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, June 27, 2002 – 3M has introduced an innovative new line of window films called Scotchtint™ Night Vision. The innovative new line combines excellent sun control, reduced glare, enhanced clarity, and low reflectivity, especially at night.

“Often, films with the most sun control and glare-reduction capabilities are the ones that are the most internally reflective, making them difficult to see through, especially at night,” said Rochelle Knops, 3M marketing and sales coordinator. “Night Vision film blocks solar heat by up to 59 percent, blocks 99 percent of damaging UV rays, and reduces glare by 72 percent, one of the top performance records in the industry. Moreover, night vision’s interior reflectivity is significantly lower than competing films, allowing for more natural light in the room and a better view to the outside.”

3M developed night vision film with a proprietary technology that maximizes sun control capabilities while toning down the reflectivity to allow for clear, unobstructed views. The same technology also makes the film color-stable, significantly reducing the fading that often affects dyed films.

An important feature of Night Vision film is its natural color. “Unlike some window films that cast bluish-gray tones into the room, the Night Vision line invites warm, natural light into a room, enhancing its ambience,” Knops said. “We think homeowners, especially in hot, sunny climates, will enjoy the many advantages that Night Vision film has to offer over other sun-control options, such as highly-reflective films, heavy draperies, or blinds. And with the ability to significantly block the amount of heat that is transmitted through windows, Night Vision film makes homes more comfortable and reduces air conditioning costs at the same time. That’s why this film offers a truly practical and beautiful design solution for many residences.”

The new line comes in a range of shades, and it can be installed on double-pane windows. The Night Vision film technology keeps double-pane windows cooler, making it possible to install the film on almost any window in a home. As with other 3M residential window films, the Night Vision film carries a limited lifetime warranty for as long as the buyer lives in a home.

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3M introduces its new Scotchtint™ Color-Stable automotive film. They said it couldn't be done. No one can produce a window film that does not turn purple. Well, 3M can and does. These new films will not fade to purple and 3M guarantees that they will not.

These new films are offered in a variety of colors and transmission levels. And as always, they are warranted by the 3M Company not to purple, bubble, blister, or peel.

© 2002 Sun Control Tinting, Inc. All Rights Reserved